Wits University has confirmed that it has suspended a member of the student representative council (SRC) who has been accused of raping a fellow student.
This follows a social media post by an unidentified student who alleged that her virginity was taken by force by an SRC member who raped her on Friday night around 8:30pm.
The student said she reported the matter to Campus Control, who viewed CCTV footage and promised to send psychological support. She also alleged that despite these assurances, her rapist was later seen on campus.
University spokesperson Shirona Patel said the university was aware of the allegations and that the matter had been formally reported to the Gender Equity Office (GEO) on Monday night.
“The alleged perpetrator has been suspended,” Patel confirmed. “The Gender Equity Office is investigating the matter in line with the university’s rules and policies.”
The alleged perpetrator has been suspended, and the Gender Equity Office is investigating the matter in line with the university’s rules and policies.
— Shirona Patel, Wits spokesperson
The allegations sparked a protest on campus on Monday night, where students gathered to demonstrate against gender-based violence. They marched from campus into Braamfontein and dispersed peacefully around 11pm.
Patel added that the university encourages all students and staff to report any form of gender-based harm to the GEO, either in person or online.
Sowetan
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